Most people dread car shopping. It’s hard to comprehend the numerous options that are out there when it comes to car shopping. Read on for some solid tips that will make car shopping a little less intimidating.

You should take the car-buying process very seriously. Many people are so happy about the prospect of buying a car that they do not think of the seriousness of the task. Buying a car is a serious financial investment, and you should do all you can to remain businesslike.

Rather than buying a brand-new car, purchase a lightly used one that is only a couple of years old. Many cars come with transferable warranties that last for three years or 36,000 miles. You will save a significant amount over buying new, and the warranty will give you peace of mind for the first year or so.

Know what type of vehicle you are looking for before stepping foot into a dealership. Research this online to see what car is most suitable for your budget and your family. Also, try to lock in a price range that you are willing to spend.

If buying from a private individual, make sure your mechanic checks out the vehicle before cash trades hands. If the owner is reluctant to let you do that, walk away. They might be hiding expensive problems that greatly reduce the car’s value. Do not purchase a car without knowing about possible mechanical problems.

Don’t forget to calculate ownership costs when selecting a new vehicle. That bargain priced SUV might not be such a good deal if it means you will be spending twice the amount you used to on gasoline to drive it. The same goes for sporty racing style cars or models favored by car thieves that both can come with increased insurance rates.

Figure out your budget and then go to see the dealer — in that order. Keep to this budget regardless of how much you a cajoled or what financing options you are offered. You must make the payments on the vehicle, not the dealer.

Once you have found the perfect car, ask for a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report will list any instances that the vehicle has been involved in. If your dealer does not offer this service, you can purchase one yourself online for a nominal fee. This report will help you avoid purchasing a car that has been in a wreck.

Be careful about giving up your personal information. Many dealers will ask for your social security number before negotiations even start. They will use this information to pull a credit report. Running your credit multiple times is disadvantageous. You should work out a deal before you give out personal info.

Get a vehicle history report for any car you are seriously considering. All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN). This report can tell you about the car’s accident and repair history, as well as whether the car has been in a flood or other disaster. Some sites allow you to pay for a one-month subscription, which is handy if you will be pulling reports on multiple vehicles.

No matter how far into the purchase you have gone, remember that you are not tied down into one-car dealership until you sign papers. Even if the salesman is very friendly, it is just business. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you have no obligation to purchase from your first dealer.

If you are thinking about buying a car that is still under warranty. You need to make sure that whatever is left of the vehicle warranty is in writing. You don’t want to purchase a car only to find out that the warranty has been void, leaving you paying extra for nothing.

Do not forget to calculate the cost of owning a car when you are working out a budget. For example, a vehicle that costs more but gets better mileage may be cheaper over the long run than a less-expensive car with poor fuel economy. You should also include resale value and insurance premiums in your calculations.

Whenever buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, try and find out what the return policy is, or even if one exists. If one does, make sure you understand how long it is and whether or not you will get registration and licence fees refunded along with sales tax for the vehicle.

Read all the paperwork before signing. You could be getting in some serious trouble if you’re out there blindly signing money away. When you have put your signature on a contract, you’re, by law, bound to it. If you don’t feel okay doing all this reading at the dealership, inquire about the possibility of taking the document home so that you have time. If you cannot do this, get a copy of the agreement.

When in the finance office, read your final contract thoroughly. Many dealerships will try to rush you through this step, and they may change important information or financing terms as a result. Make sure the terms are exactly what you agreed to. If they are not, ask them to make changes before you sign anything.

If you currently have a car that you want to sell, consider options other than trade ins. If you have a high-demand car, you may be able to sell it on the side and receive a much higher down payment than you would if you simply traded your car in.

Consider the way you will drive your car when you choose the type. If you drive a lot on the highway, you should invest in a vehicle with excellent mileage for instance by choosing a hybrid. This will help you to purchase the best possible car for your unique situation.

Loving the car you buy is possible on any budget. If you go to a car salesperson armed with good advice, you will have a better shot at getting what you want. Take this information with you the next time you’re looking to buy a car. You may surprise yourself.